Pictures of Ely

a Historic City in the county of Cambridgeshire

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About Ely

The early life of Ely began with a monastry and town situated on an island in the midst of a vast expanse of marshland in the middle of the Fens; today, the great Cathedral of Ely rises majestically above the surrounding countryside, the now-drained Fen. This glorious house of God was probably founded by St.Etherelda in the year 673 with the present building dating from 1083.

Ely Cathedral is a glorious historical treasure chest. The majestic Norman nave is 208ft long; it's roof, painted in the 19th-century by Artists le Strange and Perry is elaborately beautiful, the South transept also has a magnificent painted roof. In the 13th-century the choir was rebuilt to provide a more worthy setting for the shrine to St.Etherelda and the beautiful Lady Chapel was added to the North transept in the 14th-century. The Norman crossing tower collapsed early in the 14th-century; it was replaced by a larger, elaborate octagonal tower surmounted by a timber vault carrying an octagonal lantern. Unique in the history of medieval English church architecture, this crossing tower is the Cathedrals most characteristic feature. The exterior decoration to the north wall of the nave displays fine 12th century carving. Of the cloister, now destroyed, there remains three 12th-century doorways with carving of exceptional quality and state of preservation, these are thought to be among the finest examples of surviving Norman architecture. There are two very mutilated chantry chapels to the east end of the Cathedral, both show fine carving; one is dedicated to Bishop Alcock d.1501 and the other to Bishop West d.1534 which has early Renaissance motifs.

Of the other great cathedral buildings, the Porta is a 14th-century gate-house and the main entrance to the Benedictine priory, and the 13th-century St.Mary's Church. There is a magical atmoshere surrounding this beautiful cathedral, it is constanly fascinating, it has a serenity and a rare beauty that will not be easily forgotten.

Ely has an illustrious history, and it is here that Hereward the Wake held out against William the Conqueror, King Canute is said to have been here and Oliver Cromwell lived here from 1636 to 1647 - the house is open to the public. The town has several attractive Georgian properties and excellent examples of early timber-frame buildings. One of England's oldest schools, King.s School, was founded in AD970. Edward the Confessor entered the school in 1010, he presented the town with a charter on his ascension to the throne.

Ely is a lively City that offeres visitors a wide cultural experience. There is a museum that records much of the history of Ely and the Fens, there are excellent shopping and recreational facilities and even a little yacht harbour which is not surprising as Ely is situated on the banks of the lovely River Ouse. The city is amid flat but quite enchanting scenery that is scattered with several picturesque villages that are an absolute joy. This is a city not to be missed, not least for it's wonderful cathedral whose towers, reaching 217ft skywards, have dominated Ely for centuries. It is a place from which you will take many memories.

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History of Ely

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Hotels & Accommodation in Ely

Ely Hotels  Ely Cottages  Ely Bed & Breakfast

	Ely Guest House Ely, Cambridgeshire, England (0.4 miles, 0.7 km) Formerly an inn from the 18th /19th century, this family-run, central guest house with Thai restaurant is contemporary in style, and is just 2 minutes’ walk from beautiful Ely Cathedral. The statio... More info and book online..  Price from £35.00
	Lamb Hotel Ely, Cambridgeshire, England (0.4 miles, 0.7 km) Sitting in the shadows of Ely Cathedral, Lamb Hotel dates back to the 15th century and retains its atmosphere as a thriving coaching inn. The Lamb boasts 31 comfortable en-suite rooms. Meals and drin... More info and book online..  Price from £65.00
	Baileys At Springfields Ely, Cambridgeshire, England (1.8 miles, 2.8 km, direction S) This award-winning accommodation offers free Wi-Fi. It is set in beautiful gardens and is only 1.5 miles from the centre of Ely and the cathedral.... More info and book online..  Price from £60.00
	The Walnuts Country House West Row, Suffolk, England (9.0 miles, 14.5 km, direction E) The Walnuts is a 300-year old Grade II listed former gentlemans residence, situated in the small village of West Row 2 miles from Mildenhall. Guests can enjoy spa treatments and an in-room free mini-b... More info and book online..  Price from £80.00
	The Golden Boar Inn Freckenham, Suffolk, England (9.5 miles, 15.3 km, direction SE) The Golden Boar is a beautiful 16th-century coaching inn located in the idyllic village of Freckenham. The rooms have en suite bathrooms and countryside views. The Golden Boar Inn is just 6 miles fro... More info and book online..  Price from £65.00

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